Access To Medical Records
The practice is registered and complies with the Data Protection Act 1998. Any request for access to notes by a patient, patient’s representative or outside body will be dealt with in accordance with the Act. Please contact the Practice Manager for further information.
Did you know you can now look at your GP records on-line?
The NHS wants to give people better ways to see their personal health information online. We know that people want to be able to access their health records. It can help you see test results faster. It also lets you read and review notes from your appointments in your own time.
We’re now letting you see all the information within your health record automatically. If you are over 16 and have an online account, such as through the NHS App, NHS website, or another online primary care service, you will now be able to see all future notes and health records from your doctor (GP). Some people can already access this feature, this won’t change for you.
This means that you will be able to see notes from your appointments, as well as test results and any letters that are saved on your records. This only applies to records from your doctor (GP), not from hospitals or other specialists. You will only be able to see information from the 1st of November 2022. For most people, access will be automatic, and you won’t need to do anything.
Your doctor (GP) may talk to you to discuss test results before you are able to see some of your information on the app. Your doctor (GP) may also talk to you before your full records access is given to make sure that having access is of benefit to you. There might be some sensitive information on your record, so you should talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
These changes only apply to people with online accounts. If you do not want an online account, you can still access your health records by requesting this information through reception. The changes also only apply to personal information about you. If you are a carer and would like to see information about someone you care for, speak to reception staff.
The NHS App, website and other online services are all very secure, so no one is able to access your information except you. You’ll need to make sure you protect your login details. Don’t share your password with anyone as they will then have access to your personal information.
If you do not want to see your health record, or if you would like more information about these changes, please speak to your GP or reception staff.
What are my rights to access my medical records?
The right of access, commonly referred to as Subject Access Request (SAR), gives individuals the right to obtain a copy of their personal data, as well as other supplementary information. All patients have a legal right to see their medical records and receive copies of information we hold
about you. You do not have to explain why you want to see your medical records or access the information.
How can I request a copy of my medical records?
You can request a copy of your medical records in a number of ways
:Online via Anima - admin "SAR request"
Contact us by telephone on 01925 765101
Face to face in the medical centre
By a third party such as a friend, relative, solicitor, insurer, or other person acting on your behalf with your consent.
Do I have to pay for copies of my medical records?
No. You do not have to pay for a copy of your medical records, this is free of charge.However, GP practices can charge a ’reasonable fee’ for the administrative costs of complying with a request if it is the request is considered unfounded or excessive.
An unfounded or excessive request may be considered in the following cases:
Patient has recently had a copy of their medical records
- Patient is making repeated requests for copies of medical record
- Medical records have recently been provided to a third party with patient consent
When will I receive my medical records?
Under guidance from the Information Commissioners Office and the General Data Protection Regulation, organisations are required to respond to subject access requests within one month or 28 calendar days.
If you have made a number of requests or your request is complex, we may need extra time to consider your request and this can take up to an extra two months to respond. If we are required to extend the time period for you receiving your information, we will let you know within one month and provide you with a reason why.
NHS App QR code and link to registration video
The video found at the link below advises patients on how to register with the NHS App themselves without involving the practice:
Register with the NHS app: Quick guide - YouTube
Our practice ( ODS ) code, if required,
is N81059